It’s Been Two Years Of Delivery Of Dividends Of Democracy – Hon. Ogunderu

MICHAEL AKINOLA

Hon. Ogunderu Bolaji Muftau, the Council Legislative Leader in Etiosa Local Government, shared some of his thoughts with P.M.EXPRESS correspondent, Michael Akinola, as he marked two years in office.

Background:

I am Ogunderu Bolaji Muftau, born into the Ogunderu Chieftaincy Family in Okunraye, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State. My mother is a descendant of Ewumi Oshodi, from Akinsemoyin Royal Family of Lagos.

I attended Maroko Primary School, Eti-Osa, Lagos (1981-1986); Victoria Island Secondary School, Eti-Osa, Lagos (1986-1993); Lagos State College of Technology, Odomola, Epe (1994-1997); bagged both City & Guide of London Institute and Federal Labour Trade Test and College Diploma. Together with National Technical Certificate in National Business and Technical Examination Board, NABTEB with NTC, proceeded to Organisation for Research of World Peace (O.R.W.P) to study Information Technology and Computer Engineering and enrolled into Lagos State Polytechnic for Business Administration (2010-2013).

Views about 2019 elections and expectations from the newly elected officials across board:

In the history of Nigeria, aside June 12, 1993 election won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, GCFR, the 2019 election was free and fair. It wasn’t as the usual business of the day and I realistically want to thank President Muhammadu Buhari and INEC officials for putting measures in place.

I expect all the newly elected officials across party lines to ensure delivery of the dividends of democracy to their teeming supporters and Nigerians across board. So much is being expected from them in view of the situation of things in the country and none of them is expected to play the gallery in the face of daunting challenges. I’ve confidence that most of them especially the ones in Lagos State will not disappoint the yearnings of the people.

Local Government autonomy and the Federal Government through NFIU granting financial autonomy to LGAs:

You see, the issue about Local Government autonomy is part of the change agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration which has come to stay, and it involves accountability and transparency method of executing grassroots projects.

Local Government autonomy is long overdue. For many years, people at the grassroots appeared not to feel the impact of Local Councils because they have not been allowed to operative effectively and separately. For me, Local Councils should be allowed to manage their affairs as stated in our Constitution.

On the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, it has been placed by Mr. President to check mass looting of the treasury by Local Government officials and diversion of LGAs funds by Governors.

The NFIU stipulated that only N500,000 cash transaction would be made per day from the LGAs account, which would be registered and monitored by its agency through e-payment module. It is a system that would benefit the commoners as well as the elites and I personally support it.

When and how did you join politics?

I have been into politics for a long time since I was in my teens. I have always had flare for selfless service in my community as a youth back then; myself and some other youths do organize ourselves, motivate and counsel other youths despite being in the same age bracket. We were able to achieve unity amongst ourselves. So it was during the period we had NRC and SDP back then, that I became part of the campaign mobilization as a grassroots participant.

How’s The Journey Into Politics Been?

My political journey started during the NRC, SDP era. In 2011, I contested to be a Councillor in my ward but was asked to step down for the incumbent Councillor. I was not deterred by that experience and so I contested again in 2017 and eventually emerged as the Councillor to represent my ward. As we all know every journey has its rough part. I have had it rough in the cause of the journey but with selfless service, relentless toil, focus and above all determination, I have been able to scale through political huddles.

Becoming the Council Legislative Leader: How did you emerge and how has it been as leader?

I emerged as the Council Legislative Leader based on merit and unanimous decision of the party leaders. It was an unexpected position; my aim was to just represent my ward as a Councillor. It has been a tough one but by the grace of God and the massive support from fellow legislators, we have been able to make it an easy ride.

Looking at the last two years, I can say that it has been two years of delivery of the dividends of democracy to our people. We have been able to retain the confidence reposed on us by the people through quality representation and empowerment programmes.

We have equally enjoyed a harmonious relationship with the Executive arm of the Council. We have ensured that they run the activities of the Council well by working on relevant laws and ensuring compliance with our effective performance of oversight functions. We promise to do better as we look forward to the next phase of our tenure in office.